One terrorist killed in encounter; two civilians dead, 10 hurt in clashes with cops

One terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces of Indian Army in Kakapora area of Pulwama district here in Jammu and Kashmir.

“An encounter broke out in Kakapora area of Pulwama district after a cordon and search operation was launched in the area,” an army official said. A militant was killed in an exchange of fire between the two sides, the official said. The militant is yet to be identified, he said, adding that details are awaited.

Meanwhile, two villagers, including a woman, were killed and 10 other people injured in clashes with security forces today in Pulwama district. Police said the clashes erupted in Astan Mohalla (Kakapora) area of Pulwama in the afternoon as a mob hurled stones at the security forces even as a gunfight was raging on between guerrillas and security personnel in the area.

Two people — identified as Shaista, 25, the daughter of Abdul Hamid, a resident of Lalhar village, and Danish Rashid Mir, 24, the son of Abdul Rashid Mir, a resident of Ratnipora village — died of gunshot injuries, as per reports. At least 10 other protesting civilians sustained gunshot wounds, and other injuries after police lobbed tear smoke shells. All 10 were taken to Srinagar for treatment, police said.

After news of the gunfight spread in Lalhar village, dozens of villagers pelted stones at the security forces who were trying to cordon off the area. Tension has gripped the entire Pulwama district after news of the death of two civilians spread. Senior civil and police officers rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.